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9 Must-See Acts At Boston Calling

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 |

Posted by: Robert Steiner

Festival season is in full swing, and for those living on the East Coast, the next big one on the ever-growing list of can't-miss festivals is Boston Calling, hosted in, you guessed it, Allston, MA. This year's lineup is stacked with both great music and great stand-up acts, which is good and all, but it makes the task of planning out the three days that much more difficult. As we here at Baeble anxiously wait to ship up to Boston, here are some Boston Calling acts we think you definitely want to have in your itinerary.

FRIDAY

Whitney (3:55-4:40, Xfinity Red Stage)

This Chicago band has been sweeping rock fans off their feet since they made their jangly, soulful debut on 2016's Light Upon the Lake. Their brand of sunny, feel-good classic rock is the perfect soundtrack for summer, so call it a perfect timing for summer festival season.

Sylvan Esso (5:40-6:40, Xfinity Red Stage)

Though it's only two people onstage, Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn of Sylvan Esso know how to put on a hell of a show, thanks to their explosive electronic beats and Meath's genuinely insane stage presence. Still riding the wave of praise from their sophomore album What Now, the pair will have plenty of material to get Boston dancing into the night.

Chance the Rapper (9:20-10:50, Green Stage)

Yes, Chance the Rapper is headlining every festival imaginable this year, but that probably means there's good reason for that. With as much energy and sincerity onstage as off, Chance is a perfect act to get you smiling, emotional, and hyped all at the same time.

SATURDAY

Danny Brown (4:40-5:30, Delta Blue Stage)

It's no secret: Danny Brown is effing bonkers. Though while he might be a little unhinged, the Detroit rapper's nutty antics usually means his shows are always one for the ages.

Hannibal Buress (6:15-7:00, Comedy Tent)

If you're looking for a little break from all the music, then why are you at a music festival? But seriously, there's also going to be regular stand-up at BC this year, and comedy genius Hannibal Buress will be hosting the venue as well as perform a set himself, so definitely catch that if you want to laugh 'till you cry.

The 1975 (8:00-9:15, Delta Blue Stage)

As they continue their ongoing path towards world domination, the 1975 will be making a stop in Boston to bring their brand of rock and indie-soul to the masses. To put it in perspective, a week after BC they're playing a headlining show at Madison Square Garden, so you can assume they have what it takes to put on a damn good show.

SUNDAY

Mitski (2:20-3:05, Xfinity Red Stage)

If you visit our website somewhat regularly, then you probably already know we adore Mistki. This NYC singer-songwriter won us over many times thanks to her passionate and deeply introspective songs that reflect on life, love, and identity in an ever more complicated world. You'll be sorely disappointed if you miss even a minute of her set.

Run the Jewels (5:50-6:50, Xfinity Red Stage)

Killer Mike and El-P might be the most likable guys in the hip-hop game right now (who else would remix their entire album with cats?), but that doesn't mean they can't raise some hell when they're onstage. If you like to turn up while also lifting a middle finger to the Man and his oppressive system, then RTJ is right up your alley.

Cage the Elephant (6:55-7:55, Green Stage)

This Kentucky-bred band has been rocking out since 2006, but just a few months ago, they finally won their first Grammy for 2015's Tell Me I'm Pretty. Anyone would probably feel pretty freaking good after winning a Grammy, so you can bet they're going to bring that post-gold adrenaline to their already wild shows.